Liverpool 1-2 Manchester United: United come from behind to win

Liverpool started stronger, but Manchester United gained control of the game after Jonjo Shelvey’s dismissal.

Brendan Rodgers used Shelvey as the highest player in his midfield triangle, and Glen Johnson continued at left-back.

Sir Alex Ferguson rested Nemanja Vidic, and played Ryan Giggs, rather than Paul Scholes or Tom Cleverley, in the centre of midfield.

Liverpool dominated the first half, United the second – Shelvey’s dismissal was a huge turning point in terms of the tactical battle.

First half

The two sides came into the game with wildly differing approaches. Liverpool were doing their usual under Rodgers, seeking to gain control through ball retention, while Manchester United were attempting to play on the counter-attack.

With that in mind, the key battle in the game was obvious – at the base of the Liverpool midfield, it was Joe Allen’s tussle with Shinji Kagawa. Allen was sitting deep and dictating Liverpool’s possession play – he played more passes than any other player over the 90 minutes. Kagawa, on the other hand, was trying not to be drawn into the midfield battle, and instead remained high up the pitch close to van Persie. United’s shape without the ball often looked like 4-4-2.

Kagawa

Clearly, Kagawa was trying to play the role he played with Borussia Dortmund, which involved not contributing significantly in the defensive phase of play, and instead trying to find space to initiate counter-attacks . He did that by drifting around behind Allen, and his major defensive task was to form a barrier between Allen and the ball, preventing easy passes being played into him from the Liverpool defence.

The movement of the other two Liverpool midfielders into deeper positions allowed Liverpool to play the ball into the midfield zone, and from there they dominated possession. Here, Kagawa’s lack of defending (in the opening stages) meant Allen was able to get the ball easily. This wasn’t poor play from Kagawa – it was just the nature of United’s approach, relinquishing control of the midfield zone in favour of forward passing options.

Liverpool created a fine chance when Suarez dropped into that position, then played the ball to Fabio Borini cutting in from the left – the move came to an end because of Borini’s poor first touch, but that was a great example of how Liverpool were playing. Suarez was able to drop deep and pick the ball up in space, and his centre-forward position was then taken up by one of the wide players. Borini was brought in to play the Pedro role, and that move is exactly what Messi and Pedro have been doing for the past couple of seasons.

United struggle

United’s approach was about getting the ball to Kagawa in space, but they failed to involve him in their attacking play in the first half. There were two main problems here – first, Allen remained in a disciplined role and often cut off passes towards him (and on a couple of occasions, stopped him through fouls). Second, Liverpool’s pressing meant United’s first ball out of defence was wayward, and therefore their transitions were poor.

A combination of the problems ((a) Liverpool’s dominance of the ball, which Ferguson would have expected, but not to that extent and (b) Kagawa’s lack of touches) meant Kagawa eventually dropped goalside of Allen more frequently, it was roughly 3 v 3, and the game was more balanced when Shelvey was dismissed.

10 v 11

Both managers made a half-time change. Ferguson replaced Nani with Paul Scholes, pushing Ryan Giggs wide,, and increasing United’s capacity for keeping the ball. For Liverpool, Borini was injured, so was replaced by Suso. Rodgers did the natural thing with ten men, dropping Suso and Raheem Sterling deeper, and moving to a 4-4-1 system.

The first 10-15 minutes of the second half was rather dull tactically: Liverpool were more cagey with ten men, United just wanted to get into the game. Strangely, the first two goals came in this period, when the two sides were standing off.

United take charge

As the second half continued, Manchester United asserted their dominance on the game because of the extra man (and the extra passing quality thanks to Scholes). In the first twenty minutes of the second half, United significantly outpassed Liverpool.

Many coaches may have been content with a decent shape and little of the ball, but Rodgers is highly focused upon ball retention. That was probably why he opted for a slightly surprising switch – Sterling had been troubling Evra, but was removed to make way for Jordan Henderson.

The sides from 66 minutes until the winning goal

Now, Liverpool opted for a completely different formation. It was more like 4-3-1-1 – Allen holding, Gerrard and Henderson shuttling, Suarez upfront, and Suso playing the link role, while picking up one of the United holding midfielders when United had the ball.

Liverpool now had extra bodies in the centre of the pitch, trying to compete in terms of possession. They also pressed more, with two energetic forwards in the centre and Henderson’s extra mobility.

The switch probably didn’t have a key effect upon the scoreline, but it did change the overall feel of the game – the tempo was higher, and both pairs of full-backs were encouraged to get forward: Evra and Rafael had no direct opponents, while Johnson and Martin Kelly had to provide width.

In the end, it was simply poor defending which allowed United in for their winner – Liverpool conceded possession cheaply with their defence high up the pitch, a continual theme in their matches so far this season.

Conclusion

At 11 versus 11, Liverpool were the better side. United were seeing little of the ball, which was broadly expected, but they also struggled to move forward quickly on the counter, which was more of a significant problem. Liverpool didn’t go ahead during their period of dominance, which is another frustrating pattern under Rodgers, but the signs were there – particularly with that Suarez-Borini move – that the players were on the same wavelength.

The Shelvey dismissal was unquestionably vital. Ferguson actually only made one change between that incident and the winning goal, introducing Scholes to give United more control in the middle. It’s difficult to tell how much impact the change had, coming only five minutes after the red card, but as against Southampton, United passed far better once Scholes was involved.

It’s too simplistic to say that Liverpool lost, so Rodgers’ change in formation failed – but more players were free, the game was more open, and that probably favoured the side with extra players.

Curious, as the twitter sphere suggested that Man Utd has nothing in their tank, and has to resorted to cheating to win. Didn’t saw the game, mind you. But was the pen, legit?

Rob on September 23, 2012 at 9:43 pm

If the wind, blades of grass or colliding particles aren’t allowed in the laws of the game to touch Valencia, then the penalty was absolutely stone wall. Cause nothing else touched him.

Scott on September 23, 2012 at 10:08 pm

Take off your blinders Rob. Valencia’s foot was caught mid-air by the LFC defender. It probably was soft, but they’ve been given before.

Andy on September 24, 2012 at 6:57 am

Valencia was tapped in the back and then a moment later launched himself into the air to draw the penalty. It was iffy at best, whereas when Suarez was fouled in the box it was a clear penalty but received no call.

The other key decision, the Jonjo Shelvey red card, had both players go in and reach the ball with their studs up. Jonny Evans (who did the same thing when he injured Stuart Holden) flew in airborne, with both feet off the ground. Both of them made an awful challenge on each other and should have been yellow carded.

McCall on September 24, 2012 at 5:39 pm

I agree with you–both tackles were truly atrocious. I think, though (here is me trying to guess what was in Halsey’s brain), that Halsey was considering other immediate factors, such as the fact that Shelvey had not one second before charged through an opponent. Then, from the referee’s angle, Shelvey’s foot went over the top of the ball studs up into Evan’s calf. For whatever reason, Shelvey seemed to have lost all sense of control in that brief span of time, and I think that is why he ended up being sent off.

That red was fair in my eyes, but Evans should not have escaped as lightly as he did. Yellow in the least, though in some circumstances that tackle is a perfect example of a red.

Anonymous on September 24, 2012 at 10:14 am

It depends what the penalty was awarded for… Johnson did place his hand on Valencia, although it looked a fairly light touch.

Johnson and Valencia also had (in my opinion) an accidental clash of legs as Johnson tried to get into position to make a tackle.

Then there was the tackle where Johnson made no contact with Valencia.

I’m not really sure what the ref/assist saw. In all likely hood they did what they always do in these situations they guessed. If it was a different player they might not have given it but in real time I think you can understand the decision.

As for Liverpools penalty the ref was in a good position but it was very close. In those positions ref’s also have to guess. If you were the home team you might hope for the benefit of the doubt but the ref was wrong (in my opinion) and it should have been a penalty as well.

Konsta K. on September 23, 2012 at 10:29 pm

It was a soft, soft penalty. I also think ManU should’ve gone down to ten men in the 2nd half, from a very similar, studs up challenge that Shelvey got sent off for.

Borini’s natural run is from the left to the middle which is why i was hoping he would start on the left. I know many of you may not have seen Assaidi play but he would actually be better than sterling running from the right to the middle and with Suarez dropping deep it could be effective.

I had several issues with Fergie’s tactics and personnel today. The immobile 2 man midfield which on numerous occasions got found out against better sides. It was only Liverpool’s lack of end product that let United get away with it. Even when Fergie made the necessary change United did not change tactics, the better play resulted because of Scholes coming on the pitch rather than a tactical shift. Against 11 men even he might not have been enough.
And while it was after the penalty, how on earth does Fergie bring on 2 forwards for a defender and a AM? While we have 2 midfielders on the bench and one fullback. And he plays Welbeck out of position. All the while Cleverly who has played at fullback in his youth and as RM in reserves and at Wigan stayed on the bench. United won because of Liverpool’s poor end product and the sending off. Rogers’ team dominated play and deserved something out of this match. Fergie has displayed a lack of tactical nous today. Changed nothing at all in the first half tactically, and his only solution is to bring on Scholes and hope he can save us one more time. His other tactic appeared to be hoping that Liverpool will be as poor as they have been in the league in front of goal.

Very disappointing from Fergie today, and a terrible performance by United.

Steven Anthony on September 23, 2012 at 9:35 pm

Kagawa didn’t show much defensive prowess against Allen at all. My stance would’ve been to put Welbeck in the hole and have him pressure the ball out of Allen as much as possible. Was it Kagawa’s link play to the forward line that saw him see the time he did? Van Persie also seemed to be on an island for long spells of this match.

RAHUL KHOND on September 24, 2012 at 9:01 am

i too would second you on welback but would like him to be in place of nani who giving away possession as if he was not interested in the match . welback offers more with the ball he can hold it up and can link properly plus his movement is very good and kagawa can find him very well . i would like to see these three ( rvp, kagawa, welback ) linking as i think they have that intelligence and technical capability to open up and carve out chance at will .

Hang on September 23, 2012 at 9:52 pm

Ferguson’s continual reliance on Giggs in a CM role in big matches is astounding.

It would be interesting if anyone has Gigg’s pass completion as it feels like he is passing maybe 60%?

Scott on September 23, 2012 at 10:11 pm

Giggs and Carrick both had a shocker in the middle of the park. Haven’t seen Carrick make so many wayward passes in a single game for a while. I counted at least 5-6 times his passes forward were either too heavy, or simply went to a LFC player. It probably has to do with LFC’s excellent pressing, too, but Carrick was certainly still sub-par IMO.

Simon# on September 23, 2012 at 10:31 pm

agreed, the lack of a ball-winner is amazing. how is Tiote still at Newc ?? Gigg’s pass completion- (see telegraph match centre ) was 90%..but of course it’s much easier to have a higher ratio vs 10 men.

v good article as usual by ZM. nice point about Kagawa being detailed to cut off service to Allen. Reina only made 1 save… not even i can blame him for that ! but they seem to be letting in goals without conceding that many chances generally. ppl drone on about how liv’pool lack goals but keeping more clean sheets would help. even dopey alan green on 5live noticed that stat too .

ruee on September 24, 2012 at 10:35 am

Ryan Giggs is finished and has been for the last 2 years.Ferguson only plays him out of sentimentality,with Uniteds squad now he shouldn’t even be a sub.

xavice on September 23, 2012 at 10:44 pm

actually, SAF made a perfectly logical sub. When you have en extra man, you need to find a way to play that would manifest such situation. therefore, you need to start pass the ball all around, make 10-man team to cover the same sized pitch with less men. the impact is double: you find gap more easily, and if you pass the ball well opponent gets tired earlier in the game, and because of that his attacks are less effective. too bad for ‘pool, they played very good game,if it was up to me, I would give Rodgers the time necessary to put his ideas into action.

It wasn’t a penalty. and this comes from a neutral spectator from Croatia.

Monty on September 23, 2012 at 11:08 pm

Based on the results this has been a great start for Manchester United. But, I am really worried about a trend that started to develop last season. Right now as team United don’t really close anyone down. Pretty much every match this season every team has been getting as much space and time on the ball as they wanted. And to compare it to a team like Juventus. Against Chelsea their passing was pretty gash but, as soon as they lost the ball they immediately went to close down and win the ball back while United seem to stand back and wait for a misplaced pass to intercept.

Konsta K. on September 24, 2012 at 9:33 am

It started when SAF took charge of ManU in the first place, his football has always been about keeping tight lines and hard work during the defensive phase, not about aggressive pressing. It’s just that he doesn’t have the tactical discipline (and to some extent, the work rate) in the team he usually has had in the past. If you compare eg. Nani to Park, RVP to Tevez, Kagawa to Anderson- it doesn’t take a genius to see where the problem lies.

It’s a peculiar situation really. After the Barca defeats Fergie has talked about aiming for more fluidity in their play, which isn’t a new thing for ManU upfront, but Fergie has always favored two midfielders sitting deep and let the others create. Now he’s used both Anderson and Cleverley in a two man midfield, few times as a partnership too, whereas in the ManU ”of old” these players would’ve been strictly used in a three man midfield or out wide. It’ll be very interesting to see for how long is Fergie ready to stick with the new approach. Last season it worked out pretty well in the BPL, but got exposed in Europe. Early signs tell that this season might not be any different.

McCool on September 24, 2012 at 12:26 pm

Actually, it was the older, more static midfield that caught out in europe. The only thing Anderson and Cleverley did wrong was to get injured.

Locost on September 24, 2012 at 12:38 am

Did not see the game, not shown free to air here in Australia

But, most commentary seems to suggest Liverpool dominated.

Wonder if Coates might be a better fit at the back than Skrtel if only to hear another commentator pronounce his name Cow-at-ez. His dad’s a Scotsman, itse Coates as in “hats and…”

Anyway priority in January would appear to be another forward, possibly a winger and a left-back because Brendan’s midfeild seems prerry much sorted.

Ellis Dee on September 24, 2012 at 2:39 am

Michael, something you didn’t touch upon and I was thinking of the entire game, why did Rodgers play Sterling on the right flank when he’s been turning in great performances on the left?

Anonymous on September 24, 2012 at 4:24 am

Suarez is dropping off playing false nine, which is a situation that cries out for an inverted winger comming in to the space vacated by Suarez on his strongest foot. Borini was doing the sames on the left!

I don’t think any of the big teams in England are playing good football. And by good football I don’t mean tikitaka, but accomplishing the plan you thought of before the match,

I just published an article about the many problems that both teams have, Suarez’s loneliness and why Scholes was crucial in United’s victory on my blog: http://www.lapresionalta.wordpress.com
Please stop by if you feel interested…and you understand some spanish, of course.

david on September 24, 2012 at 7:20 am

In the past couple of years, United have almost always failed to deal with Liverpool pressure at Anfield mostly due to lack of mobility and ball-winner in the central midfield zone, subsequently Scholes being forced to pass backward or inaccurate(i.e. hopeful) passes to the flanks.

SAF doesn’t trust either Cleverly or Anderson – the only two CM who have any sort of mobility in the absence of Fletcher – in big games, especially after the historic 1-6 loss to City last year. That was the logic of opting for Giggs; an experienced player who can pass and has some mobility to deal with high pressure (in theory).

But it was just a tactical naivete. It’s very hard to understand when the manager of Wayne Rooney don’t even try to deal with the opponent’s false-nine player.

RAHUL KHOND on September 24, 2012 at 9:40 am

i think the reason why liverpool dominated in the midfield was because giggs wasnt helping carrick to distribute the ball on try to help him moving the ball i mean whenever i had seen utd had the ball he would move high up the pitch close to kagawa and rvp leaving leaving carrick alone to distribute or having that responsibility to move the ball forward and if anybody can see that shelvey was getting tight on carrick more that trying to be involved on offense . had giggs helped carrick in the distribution of the ball then utd would had been better . i think fergusson went more tactical than trying to just play .
credit to liverpool they had a game plan and seems to working well . he has found a good position for gerrard in the middle where on he can be involved in everything and most importantly he can use his long ball skills to good effect while allen and shelvey can keep the game rolling with their floor game . most importantly he needs to get the defensive side better and cut out this rash fouling because even gerrard at times makes stupid fouls and can cost the team he needs to teach them as to how they should close down and then nick the ball or atleast make opposition make mistakes not rush of blood which would cost the team .

i not even happy with the utd team selection i think anderson should play along side carrick or even cleverly ( i still have doubt about his defensive ability needs to cool down ) who are clearly better passers of the ball and anderson is atleast a good defensive midfielder against teams who try to play the passing game as he can read it very well and most importantly he is very good in keeping the ball and passing the ball . i had already stated the case for welback as see him as a complete player and should be on the utd team sheet regularly .

Jason X on September 24, 2012 at 12:07 pm

Spot on. Scholes substitution and red card was the turning point.He lowered the tempo, controlled the midfield and United got the goal. The only reason why United are winning games this season without performing well is due to the presence and performance of this midfield maestro. Absolutely controls the game.I was surprised SAf went with Giggs and Carrick in mid when he should be knowing that he cant control the game against a 3 man midfield constantly pressing and controlling possesssion.
Liverpool were impressive though with their pressing and completely dominated in the first half making use of their numbers in the midfield. i believe they lack a prolific striker to partner Suarez upfront. Suarez is dangerous in the box but he finds himself alone with lack of options. Borini has good workrate but he has not impressed. IMO Rodgers needs to put Suarez on the left and bring in a striker upfront

czapski on September 24, 2012 at 12:57 pm

I love Your website, and so this analysis, but still I have some comment – I would draw the first diagram of Liverpool tactics differently – Yours look like 4-3-3 where in fact it was 4-2-3-1 most of the time,- Shelvey really up front, without the ball he played as high as wingers, and with the ball and Suarez coming back deep he moved into the forward role many times.

Moreover it would be worthy pointing out how wide midfielders are to blame for the goals. Goal for Liverpool – Valencia was nowhere to be seen in defensive zone with Glen Johnson running forward (tactical reasons?injury?) and action developing from the left and Scholes trying to take up Valencia role, Goal for MU – Susa made bad decision leaving Rafael in the penalty zone – made few steps to Valencia (as 3rd marker) and then became lazy. In both situations, especially in the second, when the goal was scored directly by the right back, I think it may had been decisive, straining defenders too much.

RAHUL KHOND on September 24, 2012 at 2:38 pm

spot on with your observation . and another point that valencia was giving too much of space to johnson and was not really defending him pretty tight was another good observation .

Jambonz on September 25, 2012 at 1:19 am

Does anyone else think this was a dreadful match? I thought the first 60 minutes was frantic, 100-miles-an-hour brainless football from both teams. Over this period, I tried to count the number of times either team were able to string 5 passes together (not counting non-pressured passing to the back four). If you count passes made beyond the highest opponent, each team would have managed 5 passes only about twice each. The rate at which possession changed was astoundingly poor.
When things settled down a bit after 60 minutes, Man U looked the team more in control (due to the extra man? Having run off their energy sufficiently by then?), let the ball do more of the work, and found some semblance of composure.
But overall, I thought it was a dreadful advert for the EPL – such lack of accurate passing; poor first touches; panicky, desperate, amateurish-type play; and lack of composure. Anyone else share this view?

The key battle was Shinji Kagawa against Joe Allen and the Welshman came out well on top. When United attacked it was noticeable that Kagawa tried to make his runs towards the flanks, in order to drag Allen away from the centre of the ptch but Gerrard showed great positional understanding whenever Allen was dragged wide, with the Liverpool skipper happy to sit in for Allen and sweep in front of the back four.

Then once Liverpool won the ball back, Allen took up his usual role as the deepest midfielder, allowing Gerrard to then push forward and get closer to Jonjo Shelvey higher up the pitch.

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Sameal on September 28, 2012 at 8:27 am

What a load of rubbish.This pro Man-u bias is ridiculous.In simple terms Halsey had a blinder for UTD.